To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$8,000 - $12,000
- One of just 3,142 Corsa convertibles produced for 1966
- Original Bill of Sale and sales contract to the first
owner
- Includes owner's manual and 1966 Corvair assembly manual
- Equipped with wire wheel covers
Chevrolet introduced the compact Corvair in 1960 thanks to the
public's interest in economy imports. It was a radical car by
American standards - a rear-mounted, air-cooled six-cylinder engine
and four-wheel independent suspension, among the many unusual
features. The Corvair quickly turned from economy car to low-priced
sports car with the introduction of the bucket-seat-equipped Monza
in 1961 followed by the turbocharged Monza Spyder in 1962.
The Corvair received its first styling update in 1965 courtesy of
GM's Bill Mitchell; the only one during its 10-year lifespan. The
new models still featured a 108-in. wheelbase, but the new Corvair
was slightly larger than its predecessor. New to the lineup was the
top-of-the-line and sporty Corsa model which came standard with a
140 hp, 164-cu. in. horizontally opposed and air-cooled
six-cylinder with four, single-barrel carburetors; the engine was
mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Available as both coupe
and convertible, 1966 was the Corsa's second and final year for
what was the Corvair's most expensive model - $2,662 before
options. Chevrolet built just 3,142 Corsa convertibles for
1966.
Corsas were differentiated from lesser models by "CORSA" front
fender lettering above and behind the wheel opening and below the
body feature line; special Corsa ornaments ahead of the rear wheel
openings; a "140" emblem on the rear decklid; special "C" center
ornaments on the wheel covers and the steering wheel center; and
full instrumentation consisting of a tachometer, oil pressure, and
temperature gauges.
Finished in Regal Red over a black vinyl interior with red carpets,
the Corvair is described as a very good, solid, and attractive
driver that will be a stand out at any summer cruise night. It was
purchased by the consignor at the AACA Hershey Car Corral from
Glenn Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on 8 October 2010 and
has been largely untouched since that date. Paint is noted as solid
and the body shows no visible signs of corrosion in the sills or
fenders. The undercarriage is found to be solid and presentable.
The engine shows the use of a driver-quality example. The Corvair
is equipped with an AM/FM radio and a non-factory center console
with armrest. The owner's manual and 1966 Corvair Assembly Manual
are included along with the Bill of Sale and sales contract to the
original purchaser, Darrell Jerry Oaks, from Barry Pate Motor Co,
in Washington, DC, on 27 April 1966.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.
